My Own Right Time: An Exploration of Clockwork Design, Philip Woodward

£58.50

My Own Right Time: An Exploration of Clockwork Design, Philip Woodward

Name: My Own Right Time: An Exploration of Clockwork Design, Philip Woodward
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 4863
Price: 58.50 GBP
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My Own Right Time: An Exploration of Clockwork Design, Philip Woodward — First Edition

Publication: Oxford, Oxford University Press, 1995

Formatting: 4to, pp. 176.

Condition Report: Near Fine. The dark blue cloth boards remain remarkably sharp, taut, and entirely free of edge-wear or bumping, while the gilt lettering stamped to the spine is exceptionally bright and unoxidised. The binding is rigid and tightly composed, supporting a text block that is square, unblemished, and free of any leaning or drooping. The pages themselves retain their original crispness and luminosity, with no evidence of foxing, thumbing, or age-toning to the margins. Its original unclipped dust jacket presents beautifully, suffering only from the most marginal and faint shelf-rubbing to the extreme upper and lower edges of the spine panel, retaining its glossy, vibrant finish without any significant scratching or creasing. This is a wonderfully preserved, tightly bound copy that feels virtually unread.

Catalogue Note: This is a true first edition, first printing of Philip Woodward’s highly regarded horological study. As confirmed by the copyright page, the text was published in 1995 with no subsequent printings listed. The book features technical diagrams, illustrations, and photographic plates, including a striking frontispiece of a clock escapement, that are integral to understanding Woodward’s mechanical hypotheses and pendulum designs.

The book is entirely free of previous ownership inscriptions, bookplates, or distracting institutional stamps, presenting a clean and unmarred provenance.

First editions of this title have become increasingly scarce on the open market, particularly in such well-preserved condition. It is a highly sought-after text among horologists, clockmakers, and specialised collectors of precision timekeeping mechanics.

In My Own Right Time: An Exploration of Clockwork Design, esteemed applied mathematician and horologist Philip Woodward offers a profound and deeply personal journey into the mechanics of precision timekeeping. Moving beyond the rudimentary mechanics of standard clocks, Woodward delves into the complex geometry and physics of escapements, pendulums, and the pursuit of perfect oscillation, mechanisms so sensitive they can register the shifting of tides. Blending technical engineering with accessible historical context, this fascinating account highlights the subtle genius of both famous inventors and unsung horological pioneers, serving as an essential treatise for anyone captivated by the art and science of mechanical time.

Book Condition: Near Fine

Book Authors: Philip Woodward

Book Publisher: Oxford University Press

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: Technology, Engineering & Agriculture

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 176

Book Publication Year: 1995

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: Bath, Avon, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

Condition	Description
New	A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New	The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.